Local News

A floral century

A fantastic crowd of around 1000 celebrated the opening of the 100th St Andrew’s Uniting Church Flower Show last Friday with plenty of fanfare and a spectacular feast for the senses.

Around 280 school students from surrounding primary schools and Orbost Secondary College welcomed the crowd, singing and performing a number of songs.

A twist on the song, I am Australian, saw its first verse and chorus translated into local language of the Gunai Kurnai people east of the Snowy River. Permission for this was given through the secondary college’s koorie engagement support officer, Lynnette Solomon-Dent.

As emcee for the morning’s proceedings, Don Osborne welcomed guest of honour, ABC TV’s Back Roads presenter, Heather Ewart, to officially open the flower show.

Heather was provided a sneak peak in the hall prior to the show’s opening and was impressed with the very high standard.

“I do not envy the judges. In my eyes you are all winners,” she said.

“The continuity of events like this is so important to pull together communities and not many of them have gone for 100 years.

Heather said Back Roads would be doing an episode or two on the area with the flower show among its features.

President of the show’s organising committee, Heather Richardson, was thrilled with the way the show unfolded.

“I’m very delighted with the whole turnout,” she said.

“We were blessed with good weather and the hundreds of children were just wonderful.

“We had a great display. Roses were lovely, which I was surprised to see with the weather we’ve been having and the cut flowers were up.

“The kids’ displays are always a joy. I love what they come up with and I always love their banners.”

Heather was extremely appreciative of the community for its support with the 100th flower show.

“The support from the community is what makes it happen,” she said.

“They’re always so willing to help. It really is a community event and to see it come together so beautifully is wonderful.”

PICTURED: Thousands of locals and visitors flowed through the doors for this year’s St Andrew’s Uniting Church Orbost Flower Show on Friday and Saturday marking 100 years of floral presentations. President of the show’s organising committee, Heather Richardson, was delighted with the 100th show, which was officially opened on Friday by ABC TV’s Back Roads presenter, Heather Ewart.